A Glee-ful return to the stage

A cast of almost 350 students and adults are warming up their vocal chords and putting swing to their step before taking to the stage for the musical production of Glee 2.

Following the success of last year’s Glee, the Program for Academic and Creative Enrichment (PACE) group is following up with a sequel at Isabelle Reader Theatre.

The family-friendly show will feature hit songs from the 1950s to today (including Michael Jackson’s Black or White and Carrie Underwood’s Cowboy Casanova) revamped as stage musical numbers, just as you’d expect from its hit television series namesake.

“I have (every episode) recorded on PVR,” said performer Hannah Lipinski, echoing the adoration felt for the show by the cast, whose youngest member is four years old, and oldest, 60.

“It’s going to be very high energy, very high paced,” said Sooke School District co-ordinator and show director Sandy Webster-Worthy. “We’ve got some talented members.”

PACE, now in its 20th year, is open to students from the Victoria, Saanich and Sooke school districts. Those involved with show production receive school credits. About 90 per cent of program participants hail from the Sooke district, said Webster-Worthy, and proceeds from performances go toward scholarships made available to Grade 12 graduates from SD 62..

“There’s no auditions, you walk in, you’re welcome,” said show producer Diane Kanstrup. “It’s a place kids can come and take a risk and be safe.”

Each show will feature four different guest performers — all former PACE alumni who have gone on to have careers in the entertainment industry.

One such guest will be Webster-Worthy’s son, Calum Worthy, who currently appears in Disney’s sitcom Austin and Ally.

A volunteer crew of more than 80 parents and grandparents will provide support.

Last year every show sold out, a success that Worthy-Webster hopes to repeat.

“It won’t look like a high school show,” she said. “It’s a cut above, it’s very polished.”

When & Where

–Glee 2 is at Isabelle Reader Theatre, 1026 Goldstream Ave., April 18 to 21 and April 25 to 28, 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees.

-Tickets available at the door and from the Westshore Centre for Learning and Training, 814 Goldstream Ave. Adults $10; students and seniors $7. Call 250-391-9002 or 250-474-3081 for more details.